Local Authority or Social Housing
Local authorities (or housing authorities) are the main providers of social housing for people who cannot afford their own accommodation. Local authority housing is allocated according to eligibility and need. Rents are based on the household’s ability to pay.
The first step is to apply to the local authority for housing, they will consider whether you are eligible first of all and if so then you may be assessed as to your housing need.
The main criteria for assessment are that your household income is below a set maximum threshold and also that you do not have suitable alternative accommodation.
Alternative accommodation may be considered as such if you have a property that you could live in, even if you currently do not because it is rented out.
A property will not be regarded as alternative accommodation if it is occupied by someone who is divorced or separated from a member of the household, or whose civil partnership with a household member has been dissolved. A couple does not have to be judicially separated in order for this to apply. A deed of separation is sufficient.
There are extensive waiting lists for social housing but if you are considered as in housing need by a local authority then you may be able to apply for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to help towards the cost of renting a house privately.
Some voluntary housing providers provide social housing and tenants must usually be registered as in housing need with their local authority to be eligible for voluntary housing. Some housing associations provide housing for certain target groups such as the elderly or people with disabilities whilst others provide for general needs housing.
Useful Links
- Threshold – An organisation providing information and helpline support to those in housing difficulty.
- Irish Council for Social Housing – for lists of housing associations and providers
- Department of the Housing, Local Government & Heritage
- Local County or City Councils
- An easy to read guide to completing a social housing application
Housing Assistance Payment
HAP Rent Reviews- July 2023
Online Form:
If you don’t qualify for Rent Supplement, then you can apply for the Housing Assistance Payment.
- To qualify for HAP, a household must be qualified for social housing support by their local authority, which means the household must qualify to go on the local authority housing waiting list. You can apply through the housing section of your local county or city council.
- HAP tenants must find their own accommodation in the private rented market. (This is the same as the current Rent Supplement scheme.)
- The landlord must agree to rent their property to the HAP tenant. A landlord cannot discriminate against you if you are in receipt or seeking assistance in paying your rent through Rent Supplement or Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).Some examples of discrimination include using terms such as ‘rent supplement not accepted’, ‘professionals only’ in property ads; refusing to allow a person to view a property or let to them because they are in receipt of rent supplement, housing assistance or other social welfare payment, ending a tenancy or not renewing an agreement because they are in receipt of rent supplement, housing assistance or other social welfare payment.
- The local authority will make a monthly payment to the landlord. The payment is subject to terms and conditions including rent limits, and that the HAP tenant pays their rent contribution to the local authority.
- This rent contribution is based on your household income. It is calculated in the same way as the rent paid by a tenant of a local authority owned property using the differential rent scheme applicable to that local authority. Check with your local authority for the details of their differential rent scheme.
- Under the HAP scheme you can take up full-time employment and keep your housing support. If your income increases so does your rent contribution, and if your income decreases, the weekly rent contribution decreases accordingly. You will have to notify the local authority of any changes in your income or household size, so that your rent contribution can be recalculated.
- Once your HAP tenancy commences, your housing needs have now been met under HAP and you will no longer be on the local authority’s housing waiting list. However, if you still want to be considered for local authority housing or housing provided by a housing association, you can apply to the local authority to be placed on the transfer list.
- If you do apply for a transfer within 2 weeks of getting the letter confirming your HAP payment, any time that you spent on the housing list can be taken into account when your local authority considers your application. If you apply for a transfer at a later date, the time that you previously spent on the housing waiting list won’t count.
Rent Supplement
Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment for certain people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources.
In the past, you could apply for Rent Supplement if you qualified for social housing support and were on the local authority’s housing list. However, people in this situation should now apply for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). People getting Rent Supplement and who have a long-term housing need are gradually being transfer to HAP. HAP will eventually replace long-term Rent Supplement.
Rent Supplement is now only available to people renting who meet specific criteria.
To qualify for Rent Supplement, the officer dealing with your case must be satisfied that, at the time of application, that you are in a bona fide tenancy and:
- Were previously in receipt of a Rent Supplement payment within 12 months of the date of application or
- Were residing in private rented accommodation (where at the commencement of the tenancy the person could have reasonably afforded the rent and has experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for Rent Supplement
- Rent Supplement is also available for those persons who have been residing for 183 days or more during the 12 months immediately before the application in an institution or accommodation for homeless persons and have not been determined as qualified for social housing support by a housing authority
Access to Rent Supplement for victims of domestic violence
A protocol to assist victims of domestic violence has been established between the Department of Social Protection and Tusla. Under this protocol, if you are a victim of domestic violence you will be able to apply for Rent Supplement on referral by Tusla or by Tusla-funded service providers.
Where an application is made, Rent Supplement will be provided for an initial three months and will not require a means test. You will only be required to pay a minimum contribution towards your rent, regardless of your means, for this period.
Funding to support Care Leavers and members of the Traveller and Roma Communities to access third level education
Further Information
Last modified: 6th February 2024